CURRENT INITIATIVES
CARE – COMMUNITY-DRIVEN APPROACHES TO ASSESS, RESOURCE, & ENGAGE UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
CARE started as a collaboration between CAN DO and the FARO initiative to address the impact of COVID-19 on under-resourced communities in Houston and Harris County. CARE has since evolved as a multi-year, community health worker-led research study focused on addressing social needs, misinformation, and
chronic disease risk that affects quality of life in our priority communities.
Impact
Over 1,700 residents and families served by CHWs
Over 1,200 referrals provided to community resources (e.g.,food assistance, housing, legal, healthcare)
Over 300 health education resources provided by CHWs Improved knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to engage in preventative health behaviors.
Communities
Sunnyside, Magnolia Park, Independence Heights, Gulfton,
Midwest, Sharpstown
HEALTHY CORNER STORES
The Healthy Corner Store initiative increases access to affordable,
quality, and healthier food options (including snacks, fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains) through local convenience stores in
low-resource communities in Harris County. Supported by on-site
food sampling, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition education,
this initiative re-shapes community perceptions of ‘what is healthy’
and creates demand for the availability of culturally relevant food
options through existing convenience store locations.
Impact
Communities
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY
CAN DO's Community Leadership and Advocacy Training is an intensive 8-week curriculum designed to strengthen leadership and advocacy skills. The training enhances community capacity for residents and stakeholders to prioritize and address local issues and improve health and quality of life. Various advocacy efforts have launched from this application-based training related to community safety, quality education, and access to healthy foods.
Impact
Sunnyside, Northeast Houston, OST/South Union, Near Northside, Fifth Ward, Pasadena, Neartown/Montrose, Acres Homes
CARE started as a collaboration between CAN DO and the FARO initiative to address the impact of COVID-19 on under-resourced communities in Houston and Harris County. CARE has since evolved as a multi-year, community health worker-led research study focused on addressing social needs, misinformation, and
chronic disease risk that affects quality of life in our priority communities.
Impact
Over 1,700 residents and families served by CHWs
Over 1,200 referrals provided to community resources (e.g.,food assistance, housing, legal, healthcare)
Over 300 health education resources provided by CHWs Improved knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to engage in preventative health behaviors.
Communities
Sunnyside, Magnolia Park, Independence Heights, Gulfton,
Midwest, Sharpstown
HEALTHY CORNER STORES
The Healthy Corner Store initiative increases access to affordable,
quality, and healthier food options (including snacks, fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains) through local convenience stores in
low-resource communities in Harris County. Supported by on-site
food sampling, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition education,
this initiative re-shapes community perceptions of ‘what is healthy’
and creates demand for the availability of culturally relevant food
options through existing convenience store locations.
Impact
- 8 participating stores across 3 communities
- 40% increase in customer-reported awareness of healthier options in participating stores
- Increase in customer- and store personnel-reported purchasing of healthier food options
Communities
- Sunnyside, North Pasadena, Acres Homes
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY
CAN DO's Community Leadership and Advocacy Training is an intensive 8-week curriculum designed to strengthen leadership and advocacy skills. The training enhances community capacity for residents and stakeholders to prioritize and address local issues and improve health and quality of life. Various advocacy efforts have launched from this application-based training related to community safety, quality education, and access to healthy foods.
Impact
- Over 120 graduates of this training
- 11 trainings completed across 8 communities in either English and/or Spanish
- Increases in self-reported knowledge, civic engagement, and community empowerment
Sunnyside, Northeast Houston, OST/South Union, Near Northside, Fifth Ward, Pasadena, Neartown/Montrose, Acres Homes